No wrongdoing found in Eventuail inquiry

The connections of the QE II Cup positive swab scratching Eventuail emerged from yesterday's inquiry without penalty but the Jockey Club plans further examination of the incident. Eventuail was withdrawn from the international event on Saturday when it became clear that an injection of the corticosteroid methylprednisolone, administered in Dubai this month, would not clear the horse's system in time for it to race drug free.

But stewards elected to issue no fine after an inquiry prior to racing yesterday, with the Jockey Club director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges explaining 'there was no attempt to hide the treatment.

'The vets in Dubai indicated to the horse's connections when they were there that the injection would clear in 12 to 14 days and we have confirmed with those vets that this advice was given,' he said. 'The drug was on the treatment list submitted to us by Eventuail's trainer, there was nothing hidden and we feel that they fulfilled their commitment. Therefore it would not be fair to fine them in the circumstances.'

He added that the matter was not entirely finished, though. 'For this procedure, our own vets advise that it takes six to seven weeks to leave the system, so perhaps we need to ask some questions internally as to whether Eventuail should have been permitted to come here at all, considering what was on his treatment sheet,' he said.